Inside the New York Yankees clubhouse with MLB.com beat writer Bryan Hoch.

Torii Hunter unlikely to join Yankees

The Yankees showed some initial interest in free agent outfielder Torii Hunter, but it now appears that they’ll have to find another player to replace Nick Swisher’s production in right field for next season.

Hunter is reportedly seeking a multi-year contract and the Tigers, according to multiple sources, have emerged as the front-runners for his services. The Rangers are also believed to be in the mix.

On Monday, Hunter spoke like he already has a destination in mind, and could sign in the very near future.

“It’s going to be quick,” Hunter told MLB Network. “I’m not going to wait it out. I know who I want to play for.”

Hunter, 37, would not specify which team he was talking about, but said that he’d only consider joining a winning club. The Yankees should qualify under that mix, but of course, the Tigers steamrolled them in the American League Championship Series en route to the World Series.

“Everybody knows I want to win,” Hunter said. “So whatever team’s out there that wants to win and can use me and let me be a part of it, that’s who I want to be playing with.”

In other news…

The Yankees have had preliminary discussions with Raul Ibanez about coming back next season in a platoon role, according to the New York Post.

Russell Martin’s agent, Matt Colleran, confirmed to the New York Daily News that he met with at least six teams on behalf of his client at last week’s GM Meetings. Talks with the Yankees are ongoing and Martin “loved” New York, Colleran said.

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Tori Hunter is good player, but he strikes out too much. The Yankees, as long as they include guys like Tex, AROD, and Grandy do not need more whiffs. With all those whiffs, there are too many times they fail getting one run home. Bring back Ichiro—–he’ll whiff less——–and in Yankee Stadium might well hit 15 to 20 homers.

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